Best Of

Best Indoor Playgrounds in Washington, D.C.

Indoor playgrounds are the perfect solutions for rainy, dreary days, or simply for a fun change of pace. Kids are free to rip and run, while parents can enjoy a little peace of mind knowing that they don’t have to worry that their child will wander off. Here’s an update on some of the best indoor playgrounds in the D.C. area.

This is the perfect retreat for rainy days when outdoor play isn’t ideal. The Soft Playroom at the Chinquapin Recreation Center offers children ages five and under a large play space where just about every area is covered in colorful, super soft mats. Even the walls are padded, so the kids can simply run free. The toys are also made of soft materials–from soft cubes and blocks, to soft slides that empty into a ball pit. Kids can get creative and build forts, arches and other imaginative creations using the soft blocks.

The Alexandria Coliseum boasts inflatable slides and obstacle courses that will entertain both kids and adults. The facility has an “unattended child” policy which allows parents to drop their children off while they enjoy a little “me” time for shopping, relaxation, salon pampering or a few games on its athletic fields. Or, if parents have other matters to attend to, the facility has meeting spaces available for rent where you can conduct meetings while the kids safely play–no babysitter needed. Alexandria Coliseum is also great for hosting birthday parties, and provides party hosts who make sure that everything runs smoothly so that parents can take a load off.

Kidville converts its state-of-the-art gym into a supervised indoor play space where children are free to roam, play and simply enjoy themselves. This unique facility also offers several other services like creative classes in music, dance, art and gym for children up to the age of five. Kidsville has many other amenities like a kids’ boutique which sells toys, books and clothes. There’s also a salon for the kiddies, and a cafe that serves both children and adults.

This indoor play area has just about everything a kid could want. From slides, to obstacle courses, to inflatables, Joyful Jumps has plenty to keep even the most energetic children busy at play. The facility is an ideal place to host birthday and team parties, and school or summer camp field trips. It can also be a great spot for just a fun night out with the family.

imagiNations Activity Center
National Museum of the American Indian
National Mall
4th St. at Independence Ave. S.W.
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-6644www.nmai.si.edu

Not only does imagiNations offer wide-open carpeted spaces where inquisitive children can roam free and crawling babies can safely explore, but there are many hands-on, educational activities that will keep them occupied as well. Kids can learn about Native American culture by surfing on a virtual river using a kayak, visiting a real, full-size tipi to see how it’s built or by weaving a basket. As the kids make their way through the center, they can stamp an imagiNations passport with authentic tribal seals. They can also visit an Amazonian stilt house to learn about how the natives adapted to their environment.